Chelsea celebrate ground-breaking Asian Star event's 10th anniversary

Chelsea threw open the doors of Stamford Bridge as the club celebrated the 10th anniversary of its ground-breaking Asian Star event.

It was a day to remember for hundreds of British Asian children, who took to the pitch of the 2018 FA Cup winners, less than 24 hours after Chelsea's victory over Manchester United.

The Asian Star is designed to give a much-needed boost to Asian participation at all levels of football and is the first initiative of its kind undertaken by a professional football club.

Former Chelsea striker Tore Andre Flo said: "It is a fantastic event run by the Chelsea Foundation and most importantly a great opportunity for these young children.

"There are lots of different nationalities in the Premier League and England in general, but not many from the Asian community, and we hope events like this will start to change that process."

Boys and girls taking part on the day were aged between eight and 12, and competed in a series of matches and tests to examine speed, skill and ability.

The winners in each age group were presented with awards by Chelsea legend Carlo Cudicini and were invited to join a Chelsea Foundation Football Development Centre.

Chelsea Foundation head Simon Taylor says everyone at the club can be proud of their contribution in helping address the under-representation of Asians in football.

"Asian Star has constantly evolved over the 10 years and it has been a fantastic day for the kids at an iconic stadium," Taylor told Sky Sports News.

"We've reached out to something like three or four thousand Asian children over the last 10 years and twelve former winners have gone on to play for professional academies.

"Clearly, the talent is there, and we're proud of the role we are playing in helping uncover Asian players for the future."